Broadway Rose Theatre Company opens its 35th anniversary season with the captivating new musical In Clay. Preview performance is on Thursday, January 22, with opening night on Friday, January 23, and performances continuing through February 15. Evening performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. A post-show talkback will be hosted at the Saturday matinee on January 31; audio description is available at the Saturday matinee on February 7. Performances are held at the Broadway Rose New Stage located at 12850 SW Grant Ave. in Tigard.
Inspired by true events, In Clay shines a light on the overlooked brilliance of French ceramic artist Marie-Berthe Cazin. Set in the late 1930s, this captivating new musical unfolds in Marie’s apartment as she anticipates the arrival of her estranged friend and now celebrated artist Henrietta Tirman, forcing Marie to confront her complicated past. From her early days as a gifted protégée discovering the art of pottery, to watching her husband rise to fame and claiming her work as his own, through the turmoil of World War I, Marie reflects on her life shaped by passion, resilience, and a quiet longing to be seen. In Clay celebrates the enduring power of a life devoted to art.
Producing Artistic Director Sharon Maroney saw a 45-minute preview of In Clay at the 2024 National Alliance of Musical Theatre Annual Festival of New Musical. “I was instantly captivated,” said Maroney. “The music is Parisian jazz and the lyrics are filled with beautiful imagery. I love the character; I can relate to Marie’s journey and the obstacles she encounters.”
Broadway Rose Theatre Company is thrilled to bring In Clay to the stage, becoming only the second theatre in the nation to produce this powerful new musical, following its North America premiere at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia at the end of 2025. Reviewers said the show was “a heartfelt and poignant piece of theatre” (Curtain Call Magazine), “tenacious and captivating” (The Washington Post), a “jewelbox of a production” (DC Theater Arts), and “vivid and affecting, witty and truthful” (Washington City Paper).
Nominated for seven Off West End Awards including Best New Musical and Best Musical Production, In Clay enjoyed a strictly limited, critically acclaimed run at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, earning fourteen five-star reviews. The musical has made a significant impact across Europe, praised by West End Best Friend as “a true celebration of passion and the human spirit…an instant classic.”
Malia Tippets will take the stage as Marie-Berthe Cazin in this one-woman show.
Broadway Rose is pleased to welcome back director Abe Reybold, who will be joined by music director Billy Thompson. Audiences will be treated to scenic designs by Larry Larsen, costume design by Samantha Kuester, and lighting design by Carl Faber. Props design by Drew Dannhorn, and sound design by Brian Karl Moen. Completing the production team is Jessica Junor as production stage manager, Raef Wheaton as technical director, Karen Hill as production manager, and Katie Landoni as assistant production manager.
Tickets are priced from $35 to $58 for adults (depending on date). Tickets in the upper section for ages 6-18 are $20 and ages 19-35 are $25. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Two $5 tickets are available for each Oregon Trail Card holder for this performance through the Arts for All program. For a full listing of show performances or to order tickets visit www.broadwayrose.org, call 503.620.5262, or visit the box office at 12850 SW Grant Avenue, Tigard.
The title sponsors are Harvey and Sandy Platt. The production sponsor is Bonnie Conger. Broadway Rose’s 2025 season is funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Oregon Arts Commission, and the City of Tigard.
